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Peace and Chemistry Global Environmental Issues: Effects on the Atmosphere and the Biosphere

Mario J. Molina Eric Chivian: March 6, 2003; Running Time: 01:52:38

About the Lecture

About the Lecture

In this lecture Mario Molina defines the causes of global warming as a direct result of human behavior. He points out that local environmental concerns have become global ones and reminds us that "we only have one planet." Eric Chivian discusses the loss of biological diversity and its implications for the planet. He explains for example, why Lyme disease is more prevalent in the northeast, lessons to be learned from hibernating bears and the natural sources for some of the worlds most frequently prescribed drugs. He takes on SUV's unnecessary gadgets, and wasteful consumption.

Lecture Details

Location: 10-250

About the Speakers

Mario J. Molina

MIT Institute Professor 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Mario Molina came to MIT in 1989 with a joint appointment in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and was named MIT Institute Professor in 1997. He has received several awards for his scientific work including the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which he shared with Professors F. S. Rowland and P. Crutzen for their work in atmospheric chemistry.

Eric Chivian

Co-founder International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War 1985 Nobel Peace Prize

Eric Chivian is Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School. He is a former psychiatrist with MIT Medical. He co-founded International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.

About the Host